Hospitality giant Marriott International has appointed Jerome Briet as chief development officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa – and hired Sandeep Walia as chief operating officer, Middle East.

In their new roles, Jerome Briet will lead Marriott International’s development and growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while Sandeep Walia is to oversee all of the company’s portfolio across the Middle East, as well as Egypt and Turkey.

Walia’s new role as COO, Middle East

Walia is to step into his new role as chief operating officer for the Middle East on 1 July 2021. This follows the retirement of the current COO, Guido De Wilde.

Walia will be responsible for 146 operating Marriott International hotels representing 21 hotel brands across ten countries. He’ll work to drive the hospitality group’s recovery across the Middle East, while also growing its presence across the region, and ultimately supporting the company’s vision to become EMEA’s favourite hospitality company.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Sandeep has taken up this new role,” said Satya Anand, president of EMEA for Marriott International. “With a career spanning several operational and leadership roles across multiple regions around the world, Sandeep brings extensive hospitality experience, strong relationships with the region’s ownership community, and comprehensive knowledge of hospitality.”

Before taking on this position, Walia was area vice president for the UAE, playing a critical role in supporting hotels, guests and associates during the pandemic.

Briet to provide new development leadership

Briet is taking over the role of chief development officer role for Europe, the Middle East and Africa from Carlton Ervin, who was recently appointed Marriott’s global development officer, international.

In his new post, Briet will drive Marriott’s growth and market position across EMEA, while also supporting the company’s global development. He’ll work to identify new opportunities and shape the strategic growth and leadership of the development team in EMEA.

“I am delighted that Jerome has stepped into the role to lead Marriott’s development strategy across EMEA,” said Anand. “With his extensive knowledge of hotel development and acquisitions, and his remarkable track record of growth for Marriott International, I know Jerome will drive great success for the company in the region.”

Briet was previously chief development officer for the Middle East and Africa, so brings a wealth of experience and achievements from the region. He now has more than 15 years of hospitality experience, starting as a night auditor for Marriott Vacation Club in 2003.

He went on to work at JLL, and after that with Millennium & Copthorne, where he oversaw development and acquisitions for the Middle East, Africa and India. When he rejoined Marriott in 2012, he took on the role of senior director of development in Middle East and Africa, working his way up through leadership positions within development.

Briet completed his bachelor’s degree in international management at INSEEC University and received his MBA in international hospitality and real estate management from ESSEC Business School in Paris.

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